Working Shoe for Young Exec

[PetiaC]

Any Tan Brogue in your next collection?

For the existing collection, only Arthur catches my eye.

Also, can I suggest u bring in leather belts that are colour matched to your shoes! I am pretty particular in matching shoes and belts, which is what is stopping me from buying all those lovely brown shoes!

Dun need to be so OCD and match belt to the EXACT shade of brown lah. Just one black, dark brown, reddish brown and tan for more casual shoes will be enuf

 

[theRenaissance]

Dun need to be so OCD and match belt to the EXACT shade of brown lah. Just one black, dark brown, reddish brown and tan for more casual shoes will be enuf

It works both ways lah I guess, some tend to prefer exact shade. But I am with you Petia, as long as its close enough its fine. It also depends on the overall outfit, if you are already wearing some 'loud' stuff, I would not want my shoes and belts to be exactly matching, as it seems a little overly studied.

 

[yang86]

What's the smallest size for Atelier Llyr's Hector loafers?
my gf's really into that model

 

[theRenaissance]

What's the smallest size for Atelier Llyr's Hector loafers?
my gf's really into that model

Our smallest size is a EU40 for now as we are sold out on the EU39! Its all guy sizes for now but we may include small batches of ladies sizing for future production. Very sorry about that! Tell your gf her interest is much appreciated!

 

[jonleelk]

It works both ways lah I guess, some tend to prefer exact shade. But I am with you Petia, as long as its close enough its fine. It also depends on the overall outfit, if you are already wearing some 'loud' stuff, I would not want my shoes and belts to be exactly matching, as it seems a little overly studied.

heeheehee...that's the only part where I'm quite OCD about. I even match my watch leather strap to my shoes and belts.

Unable to match one, wear watch with braclet.

 

[archangle13]

On specs Vass and Meermin LM may not differ much but once you see the physical thing its a different thing together (at least imo). Vass is better in terms of finishing and overall form - the welting, the outsole, the leather. It feels substantially stronger and better and the last is far more elegant. Maybe its an eastern european thing..

Mmm, gotta try Meermin soon. If it works for me, I'll be saving lots of $$$. But yea one thing I agree about Vass, the welt finishing is epic , and I doubt Meermin can top that. Reminds me of a perfect chocolate bar.

 

[yamcancook]

On specs Vass and Meermin LM may not differ much but once you see the physical thing its a different thing together (at least imo). Vass is better in terms of finishing and overall form - the welting, the outsole, the leather. It feels substantially stronger and better and the last is far more elegant. Maybe its an eastern european thing..

Mmm, gotta try Meermin soon. If it works for me, I'll be saving lots of $$$. But yea one thing I agree about Vass, the welt finishing is epic , and I doubt Meermin can top that. Reminds me of a perfect chocolate bar.

classic and LM, which would you go for? i am leaning towards the classic range..

 

[josephkjc]

anyone bought Geox/ Rockport/ Johnston & Murphy shoes from amazon?

and yes, I am personally not so much into that expensive shoes as what I can see from the discussion here...

Bought Geox & Rockport before in local shops, better quality and more lasting that brands like hush puppies, Rad Russells.

But with higher budget, you can get the better quality shoes mentioned here which last much longer than buying 2 or more pairs of such shoes.

 

[boysdontcryy]

On specs Vass and Meermin LM may not differ much but once you see the physical thing its a different thing together (at least imo). Vass is better in terms of finishing and overall form - the welting, the outsole, the leather. It feels substantially stronger and better and the last is far more elegant. Maybe its an eastern european thing..




250-280SGD is only when you buy 2 pairs shipped. For 200 bucks, yes possible but you get what you pay for, very likely the finishing is not up to par (even on my Meermin Classic, the welting is not finished nicely (am being objective here), low grade leather etc.

Not sure I agree the classic leather is low grade. In the interview they did say the leather utilised on the classic range is from Du Puy (France), English suede (Steed) that many other fine shoemakers use on their shoes etc (they use bespoke-shoes level leathers for their LM including Annonay from France that is used by Hermes. At 250 (2 pairs) or 280-90 (1 pair) it offers superb value for shoes that one can walk around in without one's heart skipping a beat when kicking stones or wearing them hard. I don't think it's fair comparing a 250-80 dollar shoe to shoes a hundred, or serveral hundreds more than it. In fact, I think Meermin classic range holds its own with shoes that are priced a hundred above them.

This is coming from somebody who has > 8 pairs of Meermins and have used them from before they have had an online shop.

I dont think the finishing isn't up to par all the time. However, I agree that they have QC issues (which shoemaker doesn't) but with their shoes selling at a significant amount below other shoemakers' shoes, plus their willingness to make things right by accepting returns (two ways covered), or offer a discount more than remedies the potential problems.

Vass construction is more sturdy in terms of construction for example because I requested double taper single leather soles. Might be a good or bad thing. Took a long time to break in my Vass.

 

[Rooney3]

Do we need to inform Meermin by email to get their "package" of $500 for 2 classic shoes then? I'm seeing every shoe in Classic range to be about 160 Euros with Vat included. So when we make an order, Vat would automatically be removed?

 

[theRenaissance]

Not sure I agree the classic leather is low grade. If you read the interview, leather utilised on the classic range is from Du Puy (France), English suede (Steed) that many other fine shoemakers use on their shoes etc (they use bespoke-shoes level leathers for their LM including Annonay from France that is used by Hermes. At 250 (2 pairs) or 280-90 (1 pair) it offers superb value for shoes that one can walk around in without one's heart skipping a beat when kicking stones or wearing them hard. I don't think it's fair comparing a 250-80 dollar shoe to shoes a hundred, or serveral hundreds more than it. In fact, I think Meermin classic range holds its own with shoes that are priced a hundred above them.

This is coming from somebody who has > 8 pairs of Meermins and have used them from before they have had an online shop.

I also disagree that the finishing isn't up to par all the time. Yes, I agree that they have QC issues (which shoemaker doesn't) but with their shoes selling at a significant amount below other shoemakers' shoes, plus their willingness to make things right by accepting returns (two ways covered), or offer a discount more than remedies the potential problems.

Vass construction is more sturdy in terms of construction for example because I requested double taper single leather soles. Might be a good or bad thing. Took a long time to break in my Vass.

Regarding the price comparison, I was referring to just the Meermin Classic range, relative to Vass. For finishing, based on what I've seen for Meermin LM vs. Vass, I think Vass still cuts a leaner shoe due to better grade of leather (e.g. no loose skin used in the facing/quarters), welting is neater and their (JR) sole is definitely better.

That being said, I still think Meermin has significant value proposition and their classic range is a good way to start wearing proper shoes.

 

[boysdontcryy]

Do we need to inform Meermin by email to get their "package" of $500 for 2 classic shoes then? I'm seeing every shoe in Classic range to be about 160 Euros with Vat included. So when we make an order, Vat would automatically be removed?

They deduct it automatically. At least that's my experience. If they don't, just let them know.

The cost savings come from the shared shipping.

 

[theRenaissance]

heeheehee...that's the only part where I'm quite OCD about. I even match my watch leather strap to my shoes and belts.

Unable to match one, wear watch with braclet.

Wah you really power man

classic and LM, which would you go for? i am leaning towards the classic range..

Classic range is a good start, I have one on rubber sole and I love it. Makes more sense because of our weather and also because I was intending to use it as a beater.

Bought Geox & Rockport before in local shops, better quality and more lasting that brands like hush puppies, Rad Russells.

But with higher budget, you can get the better quality shoes mentioned here which last much longer than buying 2 or more pairs of such shoes.

Quality aside, I think another key aspect is proper rotation. Having 2-3 pairs (mix leather/sneaker) will allow your shoes to 'rest' and prolong their lives.

 

[boysdontcryy]

Regarding the price comparison, I was referring to just the Meermin Classic range, relative to Vass. For finishing, based on what I've seen for Meermin LM vs. Vass, I think Vass still cuts a leaner shoe due to better grade of leather (e.g. no loose skin used in the facing/quarters), welting is neater and their (JR) sole is definitely better.

That being said, I still think Meermin has significant value proposition and their classic range is a good way to start wearing proper shoes.

Ahh. Roger. In my experience I don't think Vass uses better leather per se. They're not as good as those by Lobb for instance. Rather, the distinctive difference is that the clicker at Vass has better skills than the Meermin guys and also, they probably don't try to conserve leather as much as Meermin does. Prices reflect the difference. That said, i think 90% of men/women wouldnt even be able to tell the faults of Meermins even if they were present. I must day that the JR soles that Vass use are oak-bark tanned, and exceptionally sturdy. The cons of that is it honestly takes a long time to break in, and some might feel they don't have the sleek silhouette that many like. Personally, I'm cool with it.

 

[Carnage]

Ahh. Roger. In my experience I don't think Vass uses better leather per se. They're not as good as those by Lobb for instance. Rather, the distinctive difference is that the clicker at Vass has better skills than the Meermin guys and also, they probably don't try to conserve leather as much as Meermin does. Prices reflect the difference. That said, i think 90% of men/women wouldnt even be able to tell the faults of Meermins even if they were present. I must day that the JR soles that Vass use are oak-bark tanned, and exceptionally sturdy. The cons of that is it honestly takes a long time to break in, and some might feel they don't have the sleek silhouette that many like. Personally, I'm cool with it.

Comparing Lobb with Vass isn't fair. The price range is so wide!

 

[boysdontcryy]

Comparing Lobb with Vass isn't fair. The price range is so wide!

A lot of it is due to the branding of Lobb plus labour costs more than skills-wise. Was providing Lobb as an example of shoes that are clearly better in terms of finishing and raw materials when compared to Vass and Meermin. In any case, the main comparison in my post is the leather between Vass and Meermin

 

[i_got_a_question_to_ask]

So possible to get Goodyear welted dress shoes for about 200? Meermin is about 250 and that already excludes vat?

Google

John doe shoes

 

[Rooney3]

read a little about John Doe. seems cheaper at $135 and its GY welted as well.

they're actually handmade? how do they go cheaper than Meermin then?

 

[boysdontcryy]

read a little about John Doe. seems cheaper at $135 and its GY welted as well.

they're actually handmade? how do they go cheaper than Meermin then?

Goodyear welt does not a pair of good-shoes make. Leather quality, quality of internal components, development of the last-shape, design, whether there are stringent quality control checks etc, and at a business level, branding, number of staff, whether or not there is a physical retail store etc. All these contribute to the price of the shoe.

That said, if you do get it, update us on the quality etc. it's cheap.

 

[Daniel.Y]

250-280SGD is only when you buy 2 pairs shipped. For 200 bucks, yes possible but you get what you pay for, very likely the finishing is not up to par (even on my Meermin Classic, the welting is not finished nicely (am being objective here), low grade leather etc.

Are you referring to purchasing two pairs of the shoes from the classic collection? 2 pairs for $500. Would it be taxed with the usual 7% GST when it reaches SG?

Please advise.

Btw, thinking of ordering a pair of meermins - classic collection, preferably rubber soles. Heard the waiting time is around 4 months now?